A tumultuous relationship encapsules Vittorio’s creative block: he wants to "write the sea". His quest becomes more and more frenetic and irrational, while all around him, his social relationships shatter. His beloved Marta feels increasely left out, like she’s fading in the background. Vittorio therefore decides to see the sea once again, in person. He bathes thoughfully and understands that to him, the sea was always in Marta’s eyes. But it’s too late, and the boy is overwhelmed by the realisation that she, his Sea, is not with him anymore and it was all an illusion.